Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Irresistibly Fun Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe for Family Night

Pizza monkey bread upgrades ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation that sparks instant excitement at any gathering.

Irresistible layers of savory dough balls combine classic Italian flavors with playful, pull-apart textures that invite communal dining.

Cheese melts between soft, seasoned bread chunks, creating a delightful landscape of crusty edges and tender centers.

This recipe speaks to comfort food lovers who crave something simultaneously familiar and innovative.

Each bite promises a burst of tangy marinara and gooey mozzarella nestled within golden, herb-infused bread pieces.

Smart cooks appreciate how simple techniques can elevate basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when individual components merge into a communal experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

How to Keep Pizza Monkey Bread Fresh

  • Refrigerator Storage: Cool the Pizza Monkey Bread completely before storing in an airtight container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave individual pieces for 30-45 seconds, checking periodically to avoid overheating and maintain crispy texture.

Great Side Ideas for Pizza Monkey Bread

  • Pair with Zesty Marinara Dunk: Dive into the rich, tangy marinara sauce that perfectly complements the cheesy, savory bites of pizza monkey bread. The acidic tomato base cuts through the richness, creating a flavor explosion in every mouthful.
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Grab a cold, hoppy craft beer or light lager to balance the heavy, cheesy texture. The carbonation and slight bitterness will refresh your palate between each delicious pull-apart piece.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Side: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, peppery contrast to the rich monkey bread. The bright, fresh greens will help cleanse your palate and add a nutritious touch to this indulgent snack.
  • Chilled White Wine Match: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the buttery, cheesy goodness. The wine's acidity and light profile will beautifully complement the intense pizza flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Pizza Monkey Bread Variations to Try

  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Monkey Bread: Replace pepperoni with diced jalapeños and cream cheese chunks for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Monkey Bread: Swap pepperoni for sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano and basil.
  • Breakfast Pizza Monkey Bread: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese for a morning-friendly version.
  • Veggie Lover's Pizza Monkey Bread: Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option with extra nutrition.

Why Pizza Monkey Bread Is Always a Hit

  • Savor the Pull-Apart Pleasure: Each bite offers a delightful mix of soft biscuit pieces, melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni that easily tears apart, creating a fun and interactive eating experience perfect for sharing with friends and family.
  • Speed Up Your Snack Game: This recipe comes together in just minutes, using convenient pantry staples like canned biscuits and pre-sliced pepperoni, making it an incredibly quick and hassle-free option for sudden hunger pangs or unexpected guests.
  • Comfort Food Meets Party Favorite: The classic pizza flavors combined with the playful monkey bread style transform an ordinary appetizer into a crowd-pleasing dish that brings excitement to game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings with its irresistible cheesy, garlicky goodness.
  • Customize and Conquer: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pepperoni for different meats, adding extra herbs, or experimenting with various cheese blends to match your taste preferences and make this dish uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

Base Ingredients:
  • Refrigerated Canned Biscuits: Soft, pre-made dough that forms the base of the monkey bread. Easy to find in most grocery stores.
  • Pepperoni: Adds classic pizza flavor and spicy meat element. Choose high-quality sliced pepperoni for best taste.
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and flavorful cheeses that create gooey texture and rich pizza taste. Fresh or pre-shredded options work well.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides authentic pizza flavor. Adds depth and traditional pizza profile.
  • Garlic Powder, Garlic Salt: Enhances savory notes and adds aromatic depth to the dish. Helps create rich, complex flavor.
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind ingredients and creates golden, crispy exterior. Adds richness and helps ingredients stick together.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herb flavor. Optional but recommended for visual appeal.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping sauce that complements the pizza flavors. Store-bought or homemade works perfectly.
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal from bundt pan. Prevents sticking and helps with clean release.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pizza Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grab a bundt pan and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Chop Ingredients

Slice refrigerated canned biscuits into 4 equal pieces. Cut pepperoni slices in half.

Step 3: Mix Delicious Components

In a large mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Biscuit quarters
  • Pepperoni halves
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Garlic salt

Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 4: Fill the Pan

Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared bundt pan. Spread them out evenly for consistent baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Release and Serve

Carefully flip the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the pizza monkey bread. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing snack that’ll disappear in minutes!

Helpful Tips for Pizza Monkey Bread Success

  • Slice Strategically: Cut biscuits and pepperoni into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Butter Boost: Ensure melted butter is evenly distributed by slowly drizzling it over the mixture while continuously tossing ingredients.
  • Foil Protection: Cover the bundt pan with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color.
  • Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheeses throughout the mixture instead of clustering them to guarantee melty goodness in each section.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let the monkey bread rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing it to set and making it easier to pull apart without falling apart.
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Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cheesy, gooey Pizza Monkey Bread delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight to your table. Bite-sized dough pieces tossed with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni create an irresistible pull-apart snack you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 32 ounces (907 grams) refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) pepperoni, sliced
  • 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • ⅓ cup (75 milliliters) butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Garnish and Serving:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly coat a 10-inch (25 centimeters) bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Using a sharp knife, quarter the refrigerated canned biscuits into uniform bite-sized pieces and slice the pepperoni into thin half-moons.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, melted unsalted butter, granulated garlic powder, and garlic salt.
  4. Gently toss all ingredients until each piece is evenly coated and well distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even and uniform spread without compressing the ingredients.
  6. Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, covering the top with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
  7. After baking, remove from the oven and allow the pizza monkey bread to cool for 3-5 minutes to help it set and become easier to remove.
  8. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large serving plate, allowing the monkey bread to release completely.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.
  10. Enjoy this delectable pull-apart appetizer while it’s still warm, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a crowd-pleasing snack.

Notes

  • Prepare all ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth, quick assembly of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Use refrigerated biscuit dough for a convenient and speedy preparation method that saves time in the kitchen.
  • Cover the bundt pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning and achieve a perfectly golden crust.
  • Gently toss ingredients to distribute cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings evenly throughout the monkey bread for maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Serve immediately after baking while the cheese is melted and the bread is warm for the most delicious experience.
  • Keep marinara sauce on hand for dipping, which adds an extra burst of classic pizza flavor to this fun party snack.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 437 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1120 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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